Abstract: A breakaway chain having a breakaway connector and first and second chain portions is provided. The breakaway connector includes a first opening is defined between a first wall portion and a second wall portion spaced away from the first wall portion. A first flexible gripping member extends from the first wall portion towards the second wall portion. A second opening is defined between a third wall portion and a fourth wall portion spaced away from the third wall portion. A second flexible gripping member extends from the third wall portion towards the fourth wall portion. The first chain portion has a first chain link. The first chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the first flexible gripping member. The second chain portion has a second chain link. The second chain link inserts into the first opening and engages the second flexible gripping member.

Abstract: A lock includes a pair of spaced apart parallel bolts connected by a plate extending between the bolts. A slot, formed in a hinged structure, such as a gate, extends from a free edge of the structure (an edge opposite a hinged edge) to an end point at a determined distance from the free edge. The plate is received in the slot. Each bolt is located on an opposite side of the hinged structure, when the plate is received in the slot. The slot defines a range of sliding motion of the plate and bolts.

Abstract: A lockout device is able to secure a door on a panel. The lockout device includes a housing and a flexible line. The housing has a first mounting portion adapted for securement to one side of the panel and the flexible line has on one end thereof a second mounting portion adapted for securement to another side of the panel from the first mounting portion. The housing further supports at least one line engagement element and the flexible line extends through at least a portion of the housing including the at least one line engagement element for selective engagement therewith. In use, the mounting portions may be affixed or attached to opposing sides or edges of the panel, the flexible line drawn taut, and the line engagement element(s) of the housing used to engage the flexible line to hold it in positon with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate (30) has a frame (40) with a cross beam (42) and a pair of side beams (44, 46). One side beam (44, 46) extends from each end of the cross beam (42). A first metal tapping plate (50, 150) is secured with the cross beam (42). At least one elongated tang (56) is positioned between the body (52) and each tab (54). A clevis bracket (82) is positioned on the side beams (44, 46). An overmolded (108) material is on the shaft (100, 102) and the two heads (96, 98) of the striker (88). The wedges (92, 94), on the clevis bracket (82), aligns the clevis bracket (82) with the striker (84). A second tapping plate (70) is secured to the sheet metal.

Abstract: A chain tab for securing gated enclosures. A chain tab includes a pair of funnel-shaped sides that angle inward in a V-shape towards a chain slot. A chain tab system includes a gate including a railing adjacent to a fence post, a chain hanging from the railing, a chain tab secured to the gate proximate to the chain, the chain tab including a pair of sides meeting at a corner, a slot extending into the chain tab towards the corner, the slot dividing the chain tab into two obtuse triangles connected together at the corner, the first obtuse triangle including an acclivous side funneling into the slot, and the second obtuse triangle including a declivous side funneling into the slot, wherein the chain wraps around the fence post and slides along the acclivous side or the declivous side into the slot.

Abstract: A door guard assembly is provided comprising: a first part that is attachable to a door; a second part that is attachable to a door frame; an elongate member; a slidable plate that comprises a receiving means; wherein the first part and/or the second part and/or the elongate member further comprise(s) a dampening means; and, wherein the elongate member is attached to the first part or the second part and in use can be engaged with the receiving means of the plate located on the other first or second part respectively when the plate is slid into an operating position such that the receiving means engages the outer surface of the elongate member as the door is opened and the receiving means and elongate member thus limit the opening of the door, and the dampening means absorbs an impact force that may be applied to the door whose opening has been limited in this way.

Abstract: A window lock assembly is provided for locking a window with a cord. The cord allows a window to be opened a small amount. The lock can be locked and unlocked without a key, and in some embodiments, can be operated with one hand.

Abstract: A device and related method temporarily restrict use of a control via one or more of lock out and tag out. The device includes a first and second portion. The first portion has a passageway adapted for the reception of a tie that extends through the first portion along a distance of passageway extension. The second portion has a tang and is movable relative to the first portion to move the tang transversely across the passageway relative to the direction of passageway extension to toggle the device between an opened position and a closed position. A tie may be received in the passageway and the reception of this tie in the passageway may prevent the device from being moved from the closed position back into the opened position due to inability of the tang of the second portion to be moved past the tie in the passageway of the first portion.

Abstract: A unidirectionally bendable transmission chain. At a first side thereof, an inner stop plate is fixed between a pair of inner chain plates at both ends of pin shafts, and an outer stop plate is fixed between a pair of outer chain plates at both ends of the pin shafts. Both ends of the inner stop plate are flush with axes of pin holes provided at both ends of the inner chain plates, and both ends of the outer stop plate are respectively provided with extensions beyond the outer chain plates; the extensions of the outer stop plate form a one-sided support for the inner stop plate to prevent the transmission chain from bending toward the first side, thus the transmission chain bends unidirectionally toward a second side opposite to the first side. A hoisting mechanism and a liftable roadblock having the above transmission chain.

Abstract: A window lock system selectively prevents a window from being opened. A window sash can be connected by a cord to the sill of the window. The cord has an attached lock insert. To lock the window, the insert on the cord is inserted into a track housed in a mount that is mounted to the sash or sill. The track may be formed as part of a rotatable disk. A key turns the track to move the track to a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the sash and sill are connected by the cord. To unlock the window, the key rotates the disk to allow release of the insert from the track.

Abstract: A device to limit an opening of a window having a sash selectively movable between a window closed position in which the sash is received in a window frame, and a window open position in which the sash is pivoted outwardly relative to the window frame. The device includes a sash bracket, a limiting arm assembly with an engagement structure, and a securing structure with a selectively operable release mechanism. The securing structure receives the engagement structure of the limiting arm assembly so that the limiting arm inhibits pivoting of the sash toward the window open position beyond a distance of travel defined by a length of the limiting arm, and the engagement structure is releasable from the securing structure by operating the release mechanism so that the sash can be further pivoted toward the window open position beyond the distance of travel.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for anchoring a flexible member such as a chain to a surface in such a way as to allow such member to be repositioned over a range of locations along the bracket, once the bracket has been fastened to the surface. The bracket includes an elongated slot along which the terminal end of the flexible member may slide, thereby permitting the anchoring end of the flexible member to be positioned over a range of positions along the bracket.

Abstract: An automatic unlatching device can be used on cages or other enclosures for pets, horses, and other animals. In the event of a fire, a portion of the device melts, permitting the latch or lock on the cage or enclosure to open. This permits the animals to escape the danger of the fire without the need for human intervention to open the lock. A hasp formed of a meltable thermoplastic material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A burglary prevention device is used with an existing door having an existing door knob lock and includes a door knob cover including a base suitably sized and shaped to fit over the existing door knob lock, a fastener attached to the base and extending outwardly therefrom, and a flexible chain connected to the fastener and engaged with a bottom edge of the existing door. In this manner, the chain is located exterior of the base. Advantageously, the door knob cover is capable of fitting over the existing door knob lock in such a manner that access is prohibited to the existing door knob lock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and methods for installing and using a gate latch apparatus to protect and enclose livestock. The latching device may or may not be permanently installed, and it can be installed on gates in both a horizontal and vertical fashion. The gate latch apparatus can be opened with one hand of a person. The apparatus includes a pair of latch plates with two chain-grasping slots. The ability to double latch the gate is possible by sliding the chain into both the first and second slots of an L-shaped slot and wrapping the chain across the fitted member and then slipping the chain into a U-shaped slot. The gate latch of this invention can also be used to attach two gates together and to attach free standing fence panels together.

Abstract: A chain hook having a landing area above a mouth of a slot for easy placement of a chain link in the slot so that a gate or door may be detachably held to a support. The chain hook also has a lock hole so that the chain may be padlocked to the chain hook.

Abstract: An electronic door chain which has a receiving hole drilled into the slotted keeper for a electric solenoid shaft to be inserted into which will prevent sliding of the chain out of the groove unless the solenoid is released by entering a pre-programmed access number on the access keypad in which case the solenoid shaft is retracted in response to the access keypad output. Concurrently, the solenoid shaft will retract to the open position and a short beep will be generated to announce to anyone within hearing distance that the electronic door chain is disengaged.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include door-securing latches that allow an occupant of a room or other space accessed through a door to secure the door, from inside the room or other space, in order to prevent entry or access by others. Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanically strong and secure latch that cannot be easily broken or compromised by application of force to the door or by insertion of a tool or device between the door and an adjacent door frame to disable the latch, but that can be disabled by a knowledgeable individual, such as an apartment manger seeking to rescue a disabled apartment occupant in an emergency situation.

Abstract: A latching bracket is used on a truck box and the like for holding a door or other hinged object in an open position. The latching bracket has a post extending upward from a base. The post is enclosed in a housing having an opening at a front thereof to allow a loop on a rope to be installed over the post by inserting the loop through the openings. The bracket is mounted on a supporting surface. A latching bracket and rope in combination is also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for locking a chain in a locking device. The method includes sliding a chain along a surface of a chain-locking device until contacting another surface of the chain-locking device. Subsequently, the chain is slid along the contacted surface until reaching the end of the contacted surface. At the end, or in close proximity thereto, the chain passes, or falls, or is slid into a slot of the chain-locking device to lock the chain in place. A method is also provided for coupling together a pair of portable-corral members. A portable-corral panel is provided as having a panel support structure, and a portable-corral door connected to and within the panel support structure such as to be generally flush with the panel support structure when in a closed posture.

Abstract: A holdback device for holding a door or gate in either an open or closed position is described. A plate member is affixed to a support, adjacent the vertical side edge of the door in the selected open or closed position, and is provided with an upstanding finger member and a pivotally mounted bail intermediate the ends thereof. A chain is secured to the vertical side edge of the door and is passed upwardly through the bail and the end is slipped over the end of the finger member, which is then allowed to fall back to its rest position and thereby secures the door in the selected open or closed position.

Abstract: A holdback device for holding a door or gate in either an open or closed position is described. A plate member is affixed to a support, adjacent the vertical side edge of the door in the selected open or closed position, and is provided with an upstanding finger member and a pivotally mounted bail intermediate the ends thereof. A chain is secured to the vertical side edge of the door and is passed upwardly through the bail and the end is slipped over the end of the finger member, which is then allowed to fall back to its rest position and thereby secures the door in the selected open or closed position.

Abstract: A sliding door locking system which provides a connection between a sliding door and a fixed track in which the door slides to prevent relative movement of the sliding door with respect to the track along the X, Y, and Z axes.

Abstract: A queue clip for mounting to a control gate includes a holder having a nose extending from one wall of the holder. A tongue is cantilevered off the nose and may be angled to either side of the nose. The tongue preferably supports a chain linking one crowd control gate to another. The tongue is inclined in an upward fashion to support downward chain forces. The tongue may also be angled to a particular side of the nose to allow the chain to be slid off the tongue such that a person may pass between the previously linked control gates.

Abstract: A security device which is mounted on a door adjacent a deadbolt lock. The security device is a chain which will have a link with a ring at one end which is passed around the knob on the deadbolt to prevent the deadbolt knob from being turned and, therefore, opened.

Abstract: A tether assembly for tethering an object, which tether assembly includes a cable having opposite ends and a connector attached to one of the opposite ends, and a retaining block for securing the cable to a support. The retaining block includes two parallel through-bores which extend through the retaining block and are provided for receiving the cable. The retaining block also includes a stepped bore which has a threaded portion and a non-threaded terminal portion. The non-threaded terminal portion of the stepped bore has a cylindrical portion which terminates at a common intersection with each of the two parallel through-bores, and a tapered end. A spherical element is positionable in the non-threaded portion of the stepped bore. In use, the retaining block is secured to a support structure and the connector is connected to an object to be tethered.

Abstract: An anti-snooping device for doors to apartments comprising a locking mechanism and a relatively low-strength, "tamperproof" seal capable of engaging the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism being capable of disengagement without, however, compromising the "tamperproof" seal. The invention's preferred embodiment is a chain door lock in which one of the chain's links has been replaced by a coded, colored, plastic, "tamperproof" seal. To enter the apartment, the apartment dweller uses, first, her door key and then, second, the key to or, alternately, the combination of, the anti-snooping device. Entry by anyone else must be effected by breaking the "tamperproof" seal or by breaking or successfully picking the anti-snooping device's lock.

Abstract: A multi-position door security system that provides a primary locked position keeping a closed door secure and also providing varying degrees of secure openings to allow a user to see outside or accept envelopes and packages through an opening. The invention is formed of a cable and a locking bracket which is attached to the frame of the house. The cable is looped and secured around a door knob and is then passed through one or two keyway openings in the locking bracket. One or more locking fitting are rigidly attached to the cable. The locking fittings are sized such that they do not fit through the openings of the locking bracket. This allows the user to choose how far the door will open by choosing which of the locking fittings engage the locking bracket. The invention also allows for easy disengagement by the user in case of fire or emergency. Because of the design and materials used in construction, the invention is secure, economical and easy to install.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for an automotive vehicle has a tailgate for providing access through an opening in the vehicle when in an open position and for blocking access through the opening when in a closed position. A pair of dual function striker pins, one on each side of the opening, provide a striker shoulder for interaction with a tailgate locking mechanism and a cable shoulder for receiving an end of a tailgate retention cable. A separator between the striker shoulder and the cable shoulder prevents the cable from sliding from the cable shoulder onto the striker shoulder.

Abstract: A door lock mechanism includes a retainer housing mounted to a doorframe and a chain housing mounted to a door plate. The retainer housing includes a retaining slot defined in a lateral side thereof and a lock core mounted therein. A lock piece is pivotally received in the retaining slot and is releasably engaged with the retaining member. A chain is mounted in the chain housing and includes a fixed first end and a second end to which a slide bolt is securely attached. The slide bolt is releasably, slidably received in the retaining slot of the retainer housing. When in a locked position and when a release button is in its first position, the lock piece is stopped by the retaining member and the slide bolt is retained in the retaining slot and thus allows the door to be opened for a small gap.

Abstract: A door locking device includes a housing having a lateral hole and a stop rotatably engaged in the lateral hole. A chain has one end secured to a door panel and has a head secured to the other end for engaging in the slot. A latch is extendible inward of the lateral hole for engaging with the stop. The head is movable over the stop into the slot when the latch is engaged with the stop and is prevented from moving over the stop by the latch so as to be prevented from disengaging from the slot. The door panel may be opened for a small gap only when the users are not home.

Abstract: A security means for a door or other passageway to allow the user the option of reducing tension on the securing means to open the door or other passageway slightly while still providing security by the use of a passageway security system comprising a chain or length of cable consisting of a fixture formed to accept a chain link or a loop formed at the end of a cable to accept means for securing the anchor to the door frame.

Abstract: A chain lock for securing doors having a chain connected to a first mounting member at one end and to a locking member at the other end, the locking member for inserting through an eye defined on a second mounting member attached to the door.

Abstract: A dead bolt operating knob is immobilized by dual sleeves mounted on a rod-like support and biased toward each other to surround opposing portions of the dead bolt operating knob. The end of the elongated support opposite the sleeve members is secured in a dead bolt door locked position by a flexible member extending between the end of the support opposite the sleeve members and the shaft of a doorknob assembly.

Abstract: A safety cable locking device for a knob-operated door mounted in a door frame including a framing stud. The device comprises an anchor member, a wire plastic covered cable, a lag bolt and a bushing. The anchor member contains the bushing and is fastened to a door frame framing stud by the lag bolt which passes through a hole in the anchor member and bushing into the framing stud. The cable ends pass the side of the anchor member through two holes which are located to cooperate with the bushing, causing the cable ends to be angled apart at 15 to 30 degrees. The cable loop is passed over the inside door knob. If the door is pushed open, tension force is put on the cable causing the edges of the anchor member holes to bite into the angled cable, locking the cable in place and preventing the door from being opened further.

Abstract: A lock for an inswinging door which includes a retainer plate secured to the door jamb by elongated screws extending into and securely anchored to a wall stud or other secure anchor internally of a wall structure. The retaining plate is relatively thin and is positioned between the free edge of the inswinging door and the door jamb with an end edge thereof projecting inwardly beyond the inner surface of the door and door jamb for receiving a locking plate. The end of the retaining plate and locking plate include a unique interrelationship in order that the locking plate can be positioned on the retaining plate in a secure but readily assembled and releasable manner with a substantial portion of the locking plate overlying the inner surface of the door and another substantial portion of the locking plate overlying the door jamb.

Abstract: A security bar assembly for preventing a door connected to a door frame mounted on a wall from being forced open, said security bar assembly including a rigid bar extending horizontally across the width of the door for preventing the door from being opened, a chain or cable connecting the rigid bar to the wall or frame, brackets for connecting the rigid bar to the door frame or wall.

Abstract: A door security system that includes an interior component system, an exterior component system, a hinge screw component, and a door striker component. The interior system consists of a pair of plates, one mounted on the door and the other mounted on the door jamb. Each plate includes a flanged portion having a pair of apertures. A bolt consisting of a rod and a hook is inserted through one aperture of each plate to secure the door to the door assembly. A chain and hook system is connected between the other two apertures of the respective plates. When only the chain is used, the door can be safely opened partially to preview the prospective visitor. The exterior component consists of a flanged plates wherein a flanged portion is designed to fit into a corresponding slot in the door jamb to inhibit forceful entry into the dwelling. The hinge screw components includes a screw having a threaded portion and a protrusion member.

Abstract: A door locking mechanism of the chain guard type which can be used as a dead lock and in a manner similar to currently popular regular safety chain type door locks. The mechanism comprises a bolt keeper formed with at least one elongated slot terminating into at least one enlarged opening. A bolt matched in size and shape cooperates with this keeper and is inserted into the keeper through the opening and captively slides in it after insertion. The mechanism further includes a key operated lock having a lock member that can be secured to and released from the lock. A chain interconnects the lock member and the bolt and forms therewith a chain assembly having an operative length which is selectable between at least two positions. In one of these positions, the bolt can be removed from the keeper without freeing the lock member from the lock.

Abstract: Door Guards are shielded from outside access with hand tools while in the open guarded position. The shields close off the opening space between the door and the jam and can be shaped to provide no leverage positions or grasping surfaces which can be used for destruction and release of the guard or opening of the door.

Abstract: A door locking device for preventing an opening of a hinged door. The locking device of the present invention includes a door jamb restraint independent of the conventional striker plate and secured to a door facing surface of the door jamb. In one embodiment, a main plate is provided independent of the door handle for engagement with the door jamb restraint. The main plate includes a central plate portion in engagement with the door jamb restraint, a first wing fixed on one side of the central plate portion for engagement with the interior room wall, and a second wing portion fixed on the opposing side of the central plate portion for engagement with the door, thereby preventing rotation of the main plate with respect to the door jamb restraint and thus preventing opening of the door. The device of the present invention is relatively inexpensive and does not operate in conjunction with the door handle or a conventional door jamb striker plate for increased versatility and ease of installation.

Abstract: A door chain device not allowing the disengagement of its engaged member from a door-side member by manipulating the chain from the outside. In the door chain device wherein a chain is fixed at one end to the door frame and has an engaging member at the other end, the engaging member has a flanged end which is inserted into a through hole made in the door-side locking member and then fitted into a slit extending from the through hole. The improvement is comprised of the flanged end having a permanent magnet, a door-side member having a bottom plate made of a ferromagnetic material, the bottom plate having an oval hole at a position corresponding to the through hole. Thereby when the flanged end reaches the oval hole the magnetic balance therein is broken to generate a magnetic force by which the flanged end is turned in the oval hole and therefore it cannot pass out from the hole.

Abstract: A gate latch including an anchoring member for mounting on a gate post, a chain having one end mounted on the anchoring member and having a latching tab mounted on its other end, a keeper mounted on the gate post, the keeper having a shank with a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending upwardly therefrom, an enlarged conical head on the vertical portion of the shank, and a keyhole-shaped aperture in the latching tab which is of a size which will pass over the enlarged head of the keeper only when it is tilted beyond a predetermined position relative thereto, the keyhole including a smaller portion which receives the horizontal portion of the shank of the keeper, and the latching tab being connected to the chain proximate the portion of the keyhole which receives the enlarged head so that the latching tab gravitates so that the smaller portion of the aperture receives the horizontal portion of the keeper shank.

Abstract: A door chain-locking device comprises a door-frame side locking unit and a door side locking unit. The frame-side locking unit has a locking bolt for permanently securing thereon the fixed-end link of a chain and a case for fixing the locking bolt. The door-side locking unit has an engaging bolt operable to engage thereon one of the middle part's links of the chain fixed at its fixed end link to the door-frame side locking bolt and also to engage the free-ended link of the chain when the door is being closed and to be lifted out of engagement with the free-end link of the chain after disengagement of the middle part's link therefrom.

Abstract: The security device comprises a length of cable (1) for spanning a door opening and two fixing means (2,3;4,5) secured to parts (7,8;11) defining that opening, the cable being securable at each end to the fixing means and being constructed and arranged in such a manner that the door can be moved into an ajar position, in which it engages the cable, but no further even when the door is opened with extreme force.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved chain assembly and a method for making the same. In general, the method of making a chain assembly in accordance with the present invention, comprises forming a plurality of links having a preselected shape and placement of apertures therein. A plurality of wire blanks are formed having an outer diameter to permit insertion into the apertures of the links. Such link is retained in a fixed position and a wire blank is inserted into each aperture of the link. On one end of each wire blank, a head is formed having a diameter larger than the aperture into which the wire blank is inserted. A mating link is placed into engagement with each link containing wire blanks with the end of each blank inserted in one aperture of the mating link in a manner to form a chain assembly. On the other end of each wire blank, a head is formed to complete interlocking of the links and blanks in forming the chain assembly.

Abstract: A portable latch door lock having a cable which extends around the door knob to balance the thrust of an opening door as shown and described. The latch includes a pin within the body which clamps the cable in a hole in the body when the mechanism is in its tightened locked position. The lock engages the door by engaging a recess and striker plate in the door frame and extends across the face of the door to prevent opening of the door. The lock is tightened to the door and the recess and striker plate by drawing proportion which engages the door in the direction of the striker plate.

Abstract: An auxiliary safety chain device for securing stud/loop retainer safety latching type devices is disclosed. The device includes a stud securement member secured to the stud of the safety latch device. A coupling member is coupled with the loop retainer. A locking mechanism secures the coupling member and the stud securement member together to lock the device.

Abstract: A cargo box door swing limit apparatus includes a flexible elongate member and attachment points at intervals along the member so that the apparatus can be used with most of the various trailer latch arrangements.

Abstract: A lock assembly comprising an L-shaped member (30) (120) having a first plate (32) (124) and a second plate (34) (122). Secured within the L-shaped member is a solid block core (50) (140) with openings (54) (64) (74) (90) (146) for receiving portions of lock hardware.